Baxter International (BAX) vs Medline (MDLN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Medline is the larger company by market cap ($47.70 billion vs $12.39 billion), about 3.8 times the size. On valuation, Baxter International trades at a lower forward P/E (11.8x vs 22.5x for Medline). Baxter International pays a dividend yielding 0.83%, while Medline does not currently pay one.
Medline converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 4.1% versus -8.5%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BAX | MDLN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $23.97 | $35.45 |
| Market cap | $12.39B | $47.70B |
| 1-day change | -1.60% | -0.28% |
| YTD return | +25.43% | -15.60% |
| 1-year return | +4.67% | — |
| 5-year return | -69.92% | — |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 88.63 |
| Forward P/E | 11.75 | 22.48 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-1.85 | $0.40 |
| Dividend yield | 0.83% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $0.20 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $11.24B | $28.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +5.72% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-957.00M | $1.16B |
| Gross margin | 30.05% | 26.44% |
| Operating margin | -2.74% | 7.78% |
| Net margin | -8.51% | 4.08% |
| 52-week high | $30.00 | $50.88 |
| 52-week low | $15.73 | $31.49 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -20.10% | -30.32% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.48% | +25.53% |
| Average volume | 6.63M | 7.59M |
| Shares outstanding | 517.00M | 877.35M |
| Employees | 37,500 | 45,000 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Medical/Dental Instruments | Medical/Dental Instruments |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Medline is about 3.8 times larger than Baxter International by market value ($47.70B vs $12.39B).
- Medline is more profitable, keeping 4.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -8.5 cents for Baxter International.
About Baxter International
BAX stock →Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a portfolio of healthcare products in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Medical Products & Therapies, Healthcare Systems & Technologies, and Pharmaceuticals.
Health Care · Medical/Dental Instruments · 37,500 employees
About Medline
MDLN stock →Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally.
Health Care · Medical/Dental Instruments · 45,000 employees
BAX vs MDLN FAQ
Which is bigger, Baxter International or Medline?
Medline (MDLN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $47.70B compared with $12.39B for Baxter International (BAX).
Which pays a higher dividend, Baxter International or Medline?
Baxter International pays a dividend yielding 0.83%, while Medline does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Baxter International and Medline in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Medical/Dental Instruments industry within the Health Care sector.